Good day, members!
The holiday season is upon us, and the BNLC would like to take this opportunity to wish everyone a safe and joyful holiday season. We've accomplished a lot throughout November and December, and we’re excited to share our upcoming plans for 2026!
BNLC 2025/2026 New Student Representative ENO
We are thrilled to introduce James Ehiagwina as our new Student Representative ENO. James is a fourth-year nursing student at York University, where he has made significant contributions to his community. He currently serves as the Student Success Peer Mentor Lead and is the president of the Canadian Black Nursing Association at York University. James has received several accolades, including the Black Nursing Student Scholarship Award, the June Awrey Lecture Award, and the CNP Youth Leadership Award, among others. We’re excited to welcome James as he embarks on this new chapter with us!
BNLC and the Ottawa Declaration on Black Health
On November 20th, our Membership ENO Kaywana Malcolm and Board of Liaison and past president Dania Versailles represented BNLC at the Ottawa Declaration on Black Health in Canada. This historic national event, attended by the federal Minister of Health Marjorie Michel, was a significant milestone. BNLC is proud to have been part of this important initiative in advocating for Black health across Canada.
BNLC Featured on Black Health Unfiltered Podcast
On Nov. 20, Communications ENO Dwight Barrett and Policy and Political ENO Donna Lawrence were featured on Dr. Akeem Stewart’s Black Health Unfiltered Podcast. They shared their experiences and challenges as Black nurses, discussing how they overcame obstacles and offering valuable advice to others in the field. The episode was so well-received that a part 2 has already been discussed! A big congratulations to Dwight and Donna for being such excellent representatives of BNLC. Check out our social media platforms for links to the video podcast.
BNLC Featured on Black Health Professional Network Lunchtime Podcast
BNLC continues to make waves in the podcasting world. Communications ENO Dwight Barrett, recently honored with the Health Hero Award at this year’s BHPN Awards, was a featured guest on Hugh Lawson’s Lunch and Learn Podcast. During the interview, Dwight discussed his journey and his vision for the future of nursing. Congratulations again to Dwight for this recognition! Check out our social media platforms for links to the video podcast.
Upcoming Webinars/Events
2026 promises to be an exciting year with more events, webinars, and interactive opportunities for our members. Here's a sneak peek:
Black Men in Nursing Webinar: Monday, Jan. 19, 2026
Black Resilience Webinar: Wednesday, Feb. 4, 2026 (Black History Month)
Black History In-Person Event: Saturday, Feb. 28, 2026
Stay tuned for our January newsletter, which will provide further details and information on how to register for these events.
Healing Hands for Jamaica: Hurricane Melissa Relief Effort
In response to the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa, Communications ENO Dwight Barrett has launched the Healing Hands for Jamaica project. This initiative will provide donations, medical supplies, and missionary support to help those impacted by the hurricane. BNLC stands behind this effort, and we encourage our members to get involved. If you’d like to contribute or assist with packing and organizing, please contact us at [email protected].
Strut Your Stuff: Celebrating Member Success
This month, we celebrate Deanna Black, who has officially become a PhD nursing candidate after successfully defending her research proposal. Congratulations, Deanna! This is a remarkable achievement, and we couldn’t be prouder of you.
Have you recently achieved a milestone or success? Share your accomplishment with us at [email protected] for a chance to be featured in our newsletter and on social media.
Stay Connected
Follow us for the latest updates, events, and more:
Twitter: @BNLC_RNAO
Instagram: @bnlc_rnao
LinkedIn: BNLC LinkedIn
For questions, collaborations or event inquiries, email us at [email protected].
With warm regards,
The Black Nurses Leading Change Executive Committee